Housing

It is important for international researchers to secure comfortable housing that will serve as the foundation for everyday life in order to conduct a long-term research in Japan. It is recommended that you consult a host faculty advisor as early as possible before coming to Japan.

Private Housing

Types of Private Housing

Apartments: These are low-rise communal housing structures, such as two-story buildings, made of wood or light-gauge steel frames. Although this type of housing has the disadvantage of sounds echoing through the walls, they basically have lower rent than condominiums.

Condominiums: These are comparatively larger-scale communal housing structures made of steel frames and concrete. Usually, they have a higher rent than apartments.

Rent Guidelines

Monthly rent for private accommodation in the Chofu area is generally about ¥50,000 to ¥80,000 for an apartment consisting of a six-tatami mat room (two tatami mats equals 3. 3m²), a kitchen, and a bathroom. The rent may be a little higher if the apartment is located near a train station at which limited-express trains stop or if it is closer to central Tokyo. In addition, since rooms those face south or are on the second floor or higher are popular, the rent for these types of accommodation tends to be higher.

Please note that apartments are usually not furnished; you must prepare your own furniture and appliances.

Looking for Housing

When looking for private housing, people usually go to a real estate agent, and if there is an accommodation they like, they ask the real estate agent to serve as a go-between. In addition, you can look for housing through housing information magazines and on the internet.

If you go to a real estate agent, it is recommended that you go with someone who is very familiar with Japanese housing arrangements. You will need to clearly describe your conditions (number of residents, monthly rent, distance from the station, floor space, number of rooms, etc.) to the real estate agent. You should look at its floor plan and photos of each accommodation provided by the agent, and if any of them appeal to you, ask the agent to arrange room viewing.

Estate Agents

Please refer to the following information when you do room hunting.

1. Agents For Furnished Apartment:

2. Agents For Unfurnished Apartment:

You are also encouraged to take advantage of our housing agent service at no extra charge. This service will find a UEC researcher or student a private room with an apartment setting. It also reduces a hosting lab's time for room search and erases the legal burden of becoming a guarantor.

3. Urban Renaissance Agency (UR)

Key money, renewal fee, commission and guarantor are not required for apartment of Urban Renaissance Agency. Non-Japanese citizens who are holding a permanent or mid-or long-term visa can apply for their rooms (UR is required you to use their own prescribed form for Certificate of Income. Please make sure to get their prescribed form) .

4. Internet Sites

These websites provide useful information for international citizens who are living in Japan, including renting apartment, such as the rooms which no guarantor is needed, furnished apartment etc.

Notices

Notice 1：Contract

When you rent a private apartment, a Japanese guarantor is usually required. You will need to find a guarantor on your own. We recommend that you ask your guarantor or the guarantor’s proxy (Japanese) to accompany you when you finalize your rental contract.

Usually, a rental contract is for two years. If your scheduled period of stay in Japan is shorter than two years, please tell your real estate agent before you make the contract.

When you make a room renting contract, there are many cases that key money（of 0 ~ 2 months’ rent）and deposit (of 0 ~ 2 months’ rent) are required to pay by tradition. Please confirm your real estate agency about further details of the key money and deposit.
If you renew your rental contract, a renewal fee of one month’s rent is usually required. In addition, the following payments are very common in Tokyo area to be asked to pay when making contract a private apartment:

One to two months' rent as so-called key money

One month's rent to the real estate agent as a handling fee

Two years' worth of housing insurance premiums

The first month's rent

This means that in many cases, six months’ rent plus about ¥20,000 in insurance premiums is required to secure private accommodation. The security deposit or a portion thereof will be returned to you when you move out after deducting expenses for cleaning, repairs, and renewal of the interior and fixtures. For this reason, we recommend that you check the interior when you move in, take photos of any damage or stain as your records, and inform your findings to your real estate agent.

If there are other people who will be moving in with you, you must be sure to tell the agent first of all. For the most part, it is not acceptable in Japan for more than one person to move into accommodation that is designed for a single person. Such action as subletting or sharing an apartment with someone other than those registered when finalizing the contract are violations of most rental contracts and may cause a trouble.

Before you carry your personal stuffs in your room, please check the room condition, such as scratches on floor or walls, etc., especially the parts which may be caused the troubles when you move out, including all room facilities. If you find any damages or faults, please inform your landlord or its management company immediately.

Notice 3：Moving out

To move out, you must inform your landlord one or two months before you move out of private accommodation. Please be careful because if you are late in notifying the landlord, you may be charged additional rent.
See also "When Returning to Your Home Country" for other necessary procedures when you move out or leave Japan permanently.